Whenever NFL experts, analysts and media members publish their mock drafts, they'll usually look at a couple factors. What a team's biggest need is, where they're picking, and if a prospect will fit their scheme.
ESPN's Matt Bowen looked at some of the top prospects from a different angle. He tried to figure out what teams would give the draft's top offensive rookies the best chance to succeed in their first year.
Derrick Henry's name has been linked to the Cowboys in some mock drafts and analysis. Bowen said that Henry's best fit of all 32 NFL teams is with the Dallas Cowboys. The following comes from Bowen's article.
"At 6-foot-2 and 247 pounds, Henry is built like a linebacker with the speed (4.54 40) to turn it on in the open field. The Alabama product isn't a change-of-direction runner, and he's not going to give you that wiggle in the hole. But he does produce as a downhill runner between the tackles with enough vision to find a cutback lane. That fits with the Cowboys and the talent they have on the offensive front. Create running lanes for Henry and allow him to explode through the crease. That forces defensive backs to square this guy up in the open field. No thanks. While Henry can't match [Ezekiel] Elliott's receiving chops, he did catch the ball well during combine workouts. And like most running backs coming out of college, he'll continue to develop there. With a second-round grade, Henry would be a nice fit for the Cowboys -- and fill a major need -- at the running back position. Big, strong and fast. That sells in Dallas."
Henry has also been in the headlines for saying that he wouldn't mind playing for the Cowboys, or any team for that matter.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com said recently that Henry would be a good fit in Dallas, and even compared him to Eddie George.
"He needs 25-plus carries to make his mark as a workhorse due to his 'grind it out' style," he said. "Thus, he is a better fit for a run-first offense that's committed to giving the feature back a heavy workload. If Henry lands with right squad (a team that features a power-gap or zone-based scheme), the 'Bama product could quickly develop into the NFL's ultimate hammer in the backfield."
Bowen listed the Cowboys as "honorable mention fits" for several other top prospects including running back Ezekiel Elliott, quarterback Carson Wentz and quarterback Jared Goff. To view his full article,
click here.
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